We’ve been surveying our audience over the past several weeks to see who they say makes the best tools. The answer, of course, is it depends. The best tape measure is likely made by a different brand than the best air compressor.
You can break it down into trades, tool classes, power sources, and so much more. Despite the complexity, we wanted to know what the general perceptions are out there. So, once again, we asked our audience, “Who Makes the Best Tools?”
If you think these results are highly subjective, you’re right. There were folks who offered some suspect votes, and there’s clearly brand loyalty as well. So, take it with a grain of salt, but it was a lot of fun for us to see what you guys and gals think!
Before we jump in, we gathered a few interesting statistics as we analyzed the data. For starters, the following brands had at least one vote in every category:
- DeWalt
- Makita
- Ridgid
A total of 123 different brands received at least one vote. That’s a slight decrease from last year, when 130 brands showed up.
74 brands received only one vote in one category.
Hand tools once again had the greatest number of brands represented. 61 different names showed up in your votes.
Concrete had the fewest number of brands, with all the votes spread among just 11 competitors.
Milwaukee had the highest percentage of all votes cast across all categories, with 16.9%. Makita was the next closest at 7.8% and DeWalt settled into third with 6.8% of all votes. Those were the same rankings as last year, but all three lost a few percentage points as other brands, such as Bosch and Hilti, surged forward.
Who is the Best Tool Brand Overall?
Milwaukee
There were no surprises in the category for the best tools overall, with the Big 3 brands taking the top three spots.
Extending its multi-year reign in this category, Milwaukee finished in first place, but the lead wasn’t as wide as in previous years. Team Red earned 20%, while Makita gained ground in second with 15.9% of the vote, and DeWalt brought home 10% in third.
Here’s how it all shook out:
Milwaukee (34), Makita (27), DeWalt (17), Bosch (12), Hilti (12), Metabo HPT (8), Knipex (6), Ridgid (6), Festool (4), Flex (4), Harbor Freight (4), Mafell (4), Ryobi (3), Snap-on (3), Fein (2), Klein (2), Rapid/AEG (2), Wera (2), GripEdge (1), Hart (1), Hazet (1), Husky (1), Kobalt (1), Midwest (1), Mileseey (1), Parkside (1), Porter Cable (1), Proto (1), Rolson (1), Skil (1), Stabila (1), Stahlwille (1), Stanley (1), Starrett (1), Vessel (1), Wright (1)
Note: the number in parentheses is the total number of votes for that brand.
Makita put some real heat on Milwaukee this year. To put it in perspective, Makita had roughly half the votes of Milwaukee last year. With that kind of momentum building, it’s going to be more important than ever to get your votes in next year.
Even though DeWalt was further behind, if the comments on our Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channels are any indication, the reality is that they’re a much closer competitor.
It was nice to see Bosch and Hilti getting some love from their fans as well. Historically, they tend to be further behind, but with the presence many of you saw recently from World of Concrete, they’re making positive moves.
Who Makes the Best Cordless Power Tools?
Milwaukee
Asking specifically about cordless tools, Milwaukee once again took home the top position with 33.3% of the votes cast. Makita held its second-place position with 19% of the vote, while DeWalt once again finished off the podium at 10.6%.
Here’s the full list:
Milwaukee (63), Makita (36), DeWalt (20), Hilti (13), Bosch (10), Festool (10), Ryobi (9), Flex (6), Ridgid (5), Harbor Freight (3), Metabo HPT (2), Porter Cable (2), Skil (2), Hart (1), HyperTough (1), Mafell (1), Parkside (1), Rapid/AEG (1), Snap-on (1)
Statistically, we weren’t surprised to see Milwaukee have a dominant lead as the best cordless tool brand, but once again, the lead wasn’t as dominant as it was last year when they earned 44% of the vote.
We doubt anyone will be surprised with Makita and DeWalt rounding out the top three, considering how competitive these brands are. Collectively, we refer to them as the Big 3 for a reason.
Hilti, Bosch, and Festool all crept closer to the podium this year. They still have some work to do, but they’re clearly recognized as relevant players.
On the more humorous side, Little Tikes earned a vote. We’ll let you argue in the comments about which brand they may have been referring to.
Smith and Wesson also earned a vote. Upon reflection, their products are technically cordless, so I guess technically, the voter isn’t wrong unless you want to argue that they’re hand tools.
Who Makes the Best Pneumatic Tools?
Metabo HPT
Turning to air power, Metabo HPT beat out Ingersoll Rand in a reversal of last year’s results, taking home the prize with 22.8% of the votes to earn the best pneumatic tools title. Ingersoll Rand held a commanding lead over third place with 16.5%, with Bostitch and Snap-on sharing third with 6.3%.
Metabo HPT (18), Ingersoll Rand (13), Bostitch (5), Snap-on (5), DeWalt (4), Paslode (4), Ridgid (4), Max USA (3), Chicago Pneumatic (2), Senco (2), Basso (1), Bisset (1), Bosch (1), Dotco (1), Fuji (1), Grex (1), Harbor Freight (1), KTC (1), Makita (1), Omer (1), Rodac (1), Duofast (1), Matco (1)
This category can be open to interpretation, considering the mix of tools involved. There’s everything from framers and carpenters with their nailers to automotive with their sanders and grinders, plus plenty in between.
In the end, Metabo HPT’s reputation for quality nailers made the difference, though Ingersoll Rand is still the clear leader among other air tools.
There was one suspect vote for the Tim Taylor-promoted Binford Tools. While I question whether that voter has any first-hand experience using them, it’s good to know the ’90s haven’t completely died out.
Who Makes the Best Hand Tools?
Knipex
The general hand tool category is huge and includes every single trade, making this a competitive and extensive group. Last year, Knipex narrowly took the win by just one vote over Milwaukee. This year, it was more comfortable for Knipex at 15.6% while Wera made a huge jump to second place (10.4%) after finishing ninth a year ago. Klein maintained its third-place position with 9.5% and Milwaukee slipped to fourth with 6.6% of the vote.
Knipex (33), Wera (22), Klein (20), Milwaukee (14), Wiha (10), Snap-on (9), DeWalt (8), Craftsman (7), Crescent (6), Stanley (5), Harbor Freight (4), Makita (4), Channellock (3), Gearwrench (3), Husky (3), Metabo HPT (3), Tekton (3), Wright (3), Estwing (2), Irwin (2), Ko-Ken (2), Proto (2), Ridgid (2), SK Hand Tools (2), Veritas (2), Williams Industrial (2), Bahco (1), Defiance Tools (1), Facom (1), Gedore (1), GP (1), Greenworks (1), Hultafors (1), Ideal Industries (1), Kobalt (1), Mac Tools (1), Martinez (1), Masterforce (1), Matco (1), Maximum (1), Mileseey (1), MWS (1), Ox Tools (1), PB Swiss (1), Performax (1), Ryobi (1), Stahwille (1), Starrett (1), Stiletto (1), Swanson (1), Tajima (1), Unior (1), Usag (1), Vaugn (1), Vevor (1), Wilton (1), Xcelite (1)
For me, the biggest surprise in this vote was Wera. Moving into second is a big deal, but beating out Klein may very well be the bigger story. Fan voting is always subjective, of course, but this could be an indicator that Wera is becoming more well-known across the trades.
As for the less serious part of the vote, Binford made another push to make it back into the conversation, while some poor soul suggested Temu is the place to get your hand tools.
Who Makes the Best Concrete Tools?
Hilti
The concrete industry is massive, and it’s a competitive category. Like last year, Hilti came away with the win. However, they earned a much higher percentage: 31.8% this year vs 18% last year. Marshalltown repeated in second with 14.8%, while Bosch and Milwaukee tied for third with 9.3%.
Hilti (17), Marshalltown (8), Bosch (5), Milwaukee (5), Ridgid (4), DeWalt (3), Ox Tools (3), Makita (2), Husky (1), Morristown (1)
While I doubt anyone is surprised to find Hilti at the top and Bosch and Milwaukee making their presence known, Makita’s drop from third last year to earning just two votes this year is surprising. Considering how many votes they earned in other categories, I expected a higher finish. Still, it’s a fan vote, and not an indication of Makita’s quality, which is excellent.
Who Makes the Best Tools for Electricians?
Klein Tools
The most dominant performance in any category was Klein’s win in electrical tools, taking 48.2% of the votes. Milwaukee was a distant second at 20% while the rest of the field faded away. That echoes what we saw last year, except the gap between Klein and Milwaukee closed a bit.
Klein (41), Milwaukee (17), Fluke (5), Knipex (4), DeWalt (3), Bosch (2), Makita (2), Ridgid (2), Cimco (1), Craftsman (1), Facom (1), Greenlee (1), Hilti (1), Ideal Industries (1), Kobalt (1), Parkside (1), Wera (1)
We don’t think anyone who knows the electrical industry will be shocked to see Klein at the top of this vote. After all, they’ve been making electrical tools since 1857. Slipping below 50% of the total vote shouldn’t be too worrying, though. Klein has a stellar reputation for hand tools and meters that hasn’t lost its luster.
Milwaukee’s foothold with electricians is steadily gaining ground, thanks to an impressive range of cordless electrical tools, such as its compact cordless threader and dieless crimper. Combined with its core cordless tools, electrical-specific hydraulic tools, and expanding hand tool selection, it’s hard to find a single brand that covers this trade so well.
Who Makes the Best Tools for Plumbers?
Ridgid (Emerson)
Two plumbing powerhouse brands dominated the voting for the best plumbing tools this year just like they did last year: Ridgid and Milwaukee. Last year, Ridgid earned nearly half the vote, but this year, it was down to 39.5%. Milwaukee seems to have picked up the greatest benefit, and at 34.2%, only four votes separated these two in the end.
Ridgid (30), Milwaukee (26), Knipex (5), Klein (3), DeWalt (2), Channellock (1), Ligna Tool (1), Mafell (1), Makita (1), Rems Tools (1), Ryobi (1), Wera (1)
It’s impressive how much of a reputation Ridgid and Milwaukee have built in the plumbing industry. Both brands have been in business for more than 100 years, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if both brands are on most service vehicles around the country.
Ridgid continues to innovate, most notably on the diagnostic, line-clearing, and installation sides of the trade. The kickstand-assisted K-46 Cordless SinkSnake took home a 2025 Pro Tool Innovation Award, as did the RP 251 Press Tool.
As for Milwaukee, the expansion continues, and I’m not talking about Pex. 2025 was highlighted by two major innovations: the M18 Fuel Roll Groover and the M18 Fuel Steel Pipe Cutter. Both designs are world firsts, and understandably took home Pro Tool Innovation Award wins.
Shifting to the (maybe) not-so-serious, there was one insightful vote for Charmin. On a day-to-day basis, that probably is the most useful plumbing tool for the majority of people.
Who Makes the Best Mechanics Tools?
Snap-On
Snap-On fans showed up for the Mechanic’s tools category, giving the popular brand a huge win with 24.1% of the votes. However, that’s a sharp drop from the 40% they earned last year. Milwaukee once again came in second with 14.9% while Harbor Freight came in third at 10%, largely driven by fans of the Icon brand.
Snap-on (21), Milwaukee (13), Harbor Freight (10), Gearwrench (8), Craftsman (5), DeWalt (3), Mac Tools (3), Tekton (3), J.H. Williams (2), Ko-Ken (2), Bluepoint (1), Facom (1), Husky (1), HyperTough (1), Lang (1), Lisle (1), Makita (1), PB Swiss (1), Proto (1), Rapid/AEG (1), Ridgid (1), Skil (1), Sonic (1), SP Tools (1), Stahwille (1), Vim (1), Wera (1)
Snap-On enjoys a positive reputation as the most popular tool truck brand, making its stops at shops around the country. Being number one makes you a target, and Snap-On is definitely feeling more heat from Milwaukee this year.
Milwaukee’s bigger push into the automotive industry is clearly showing. Three years ago, they only managed 1% of the vote, and now they’ve been in second place two years in a row. They’re strong in core tools, plus automotive-specific tools and diagnostic gear. This past year, they launched their Master Mechanics Tool Set, reaching a new level of relevance that is putting even more heat on Snap-on.
But the biggest winner has to be Harbor Freight. They had advocates in more than half of our categories. Jumping into the third-place position for automotive says a lot about the value people see in the quality and price of their products.
Who Makes the Best Woodworking Tools?
Festool
Exactly zero of us at Pro Tool Reviews thought that Festool would be anywhere but the top in the best woodworking tools category. That’s where it finished with 25% of the votes, a slight increase over last year’s tally. From there, DeWalt had 12% of the vote, but jumped over Makita to take second place, while Makita dropped to third with 7.6%
Festool (23), DeWalt (11), Makita (7), Mafell (5), Milwaukee (5), Bosch (4), Powermatic (4), Ryobi (3), Delta (2), Freud (2), Grizzly (2), Jet (2), Ridgid (2), Stanley (2), Woodpeckers (2), Craftsman (1), Estwing (1), Fein (1), Flex (1), Fox (1), Kreg (1), Laguna (1), Narex (1), Nova (1), Rapid/AEG (1), Shinwa (1), Skil (1), Snap-on (1), Veritas (1), Wen (1)
Woodworking is a broad category, but it’s no surprise to find Festool at the front of the pack. They’ve done an excellent job creating a system-based approach to their tools while focusing on quality and precision, and ensuring that the ergonomics include you as part of that system.
Not everyone has the budget for Festool—something frequently noted in the comments. There are some solid lower-priced options that can deliver quality, professional-level work, though. The Big 3 plus Bosch are all good choices that also ranked high in the voting.
Not to be forgotten in the end, Little Tikes also earned a vote in this category. I’d love to see some of the woodworking projects that voter has produced using them.
Final Thoughts
We aren’t shocked to see the top Pro brands voted on frequently. And while this isn’t an objective test to quantify who makes the best tools, it certainly gives us a great idea of what the perception in the market is—and how it’s shifted over the years.
As you can understand, even within the Pro Tool Reviews office, there’s plenty of dissension in the ranks. Each of our Pros in their various trades has their favorite and go-to brands they’d never leave behind. And their answers to these questions are just as varied as yours.
Even though this year’s voting results are locked, we’d love to hear which brands you think make the best tools. Drop a comment below and join the conversation!
A big thank you to all of you who took the time to vote in this survey!
